Since the game is on TNT, and I'm not blessed with "fancy cable", I shall be listening to the game on the radio, while watching the highly-anticipated 100th episode of Smallville (Someone close to Clark will die tonight! Please don't let it be Chloe!)

Well sure, but I think that's obvious to most of us here at the Soul. What I meant was that they were two all-offense, no-defense teams. And, for the record, I don't have a problem with that kind of team as long as they are winning (like the Mavs). Like I've said before, there's more than one way to win games in the NBA.

That being said, I think the Supes did pretty well last night considering they were missing two starters and playing a first-place team. I think if you look at the games where they've had a full roster, the Sonics are a much better team than they were a month ago.

If I see Flip in public, I swear I will punch him in the throat. I have never seen such a momentum killing, self serving, ball hogging, time clock killing, bad shot taking, standing around son of a bitch. I can only hope that Howard trades him and Mr Glass for earl watson some time this weekend. I lost my voice last night at the game yelling at Murray.

I never thought I would say this, but I miss Luke. In case he reads this "Please hurry back Luke, and I am sorry about all the things I said about you before. God bless you. Love, Tim"

Below this paragraph are a couple of trade proposals -- which don't include Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans, or Ronald "Flip" Murray, since all of them have expiring contracts -- that, if executed by Seattle Supersonics GM Rick Sund, would totally revamp financial problems and talent deficiencies that are currently hindering the franchise:

• The Seattle Supersonics trade small forward Rashard Lewis and power forward Danny Fortson to the Chicago Bulls for power forward Tim Thomas, small forward Eric Piatkowski, shooting guard Eddie Basden, a 2006 first-round draft pick, and a 2006 first-round draft pick [via the New York Knicks].• The Seattle Supersonics trade center Vitaly Potapenko, the draft rights of power forward Peter Fehse, the draft rights of small forward Mickaël Gelabale, and the draft rights of point guard Paccelis Morlende to the Denver Nuggets for shooting guard Voshon Lenard.

Yeah, amazingly enough, those are trade proposals that I hadn't posted prior to this time.

As it is, though, the Vitaly Potapenko rumor mill has been in full gear during the past month, so I just jumped on that bandwagon; conversely, I simply altered my thought process regarding Rashard Lewis, since Boston Celtics President Danny Ainge has just recently overhauled a portion of the ballclub.

AK, I'm sorry, but those are horrid trades. Tim Thomas sucks, and to give up an all-star like Rashard and get crap back would be utterly stupid. Plus, you've given us a roster which has too many overlapping parts. Oh, and there's no way the Sonics should be stockpiling picks in a draft as weak as this one.

Okay, while the 2006 NBA Draft may be one of the weakest in recent history, there is no denying the fact that Rashard Lewis is one of the most overrated players in the league.

As it is, Lewis' stats (Team Net +/-: +4.2 & Roland Rating: +5.7) aren't that of an NBA All-Star, but rather an above-average player. Of course, I've already gone over Lewis' defensive ineptitude numerous times, so there is no real reason to rehash it.

At any rate, though, there won't be any guys like Greg Oden 'til the 2007 NBA Draft; yet, that notwithstanding, the 2006 NBA Draft will probably include two potential superstars at small forward (i.e., Adam Morrison & Rudy Gay), a potential superstar at power forward (i.e., LaMarcus Aldridge), and a few potential stars at point guard (i.e., Daniel Gibson, Randy Foye, et al.).

In the end, ultimately, if 'sonics GM Rick Sund were to rid of the overvalued Lewis and have three first-round draft picks in the lottery of the 2006 NBA Draft, then the front office could resolidify the franchise's foundation for the future.

Good Times,AK1984

P.S.: The reasoning behind acquiring guys such as Tim Thomas, Eric Piatkowski, and Voshon Lenard is not because they are talented playrs, but rather because they -- unlike Vitaly Potapenko and Danny Fortson -- have expiring contracts.

AK, I understand your cap space reasoning. However, Pot and Fort's expiring contracts (also Moore and Brunson), as well as Rashard's opt out, will make the Sonics major players in the summer 2007 market.

This summer, I hope the Supes only sign aging vets to one-year deals, let the young guy continue to progress, and then throw all the eggs into the 2007-08 basket and make our run there.

don't know if morrison will be garbage, they are plenty of offense-only shooters in the NBA. with that high release, he could be a kyle korver-type of player. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't let him become a sonic, though. I know how current ownership likes to obtain those local whiteboys...

I doubt we'll be giving up Rashard anytime soon. He's just an amazing offensive weapon. He can post up, shoot 3's, pull up mid-range, or drive. With him and Ray scoring, and Luke passing we'll never really need to worry about our offense being sub-par. Right now, the players that'll be sticking around for next year are:

We'll need a back up PG/SG and another PF. Damien has played great, and looks to be a solid fixture backing up Ray and Rashard. Maybe Vlade'll be back at PF, and we'll draft Randy Foye for the guard spot.

All right, from what I can tell, Adam Morrison is the next coming of Chris Mullin. Yet, that notwithstanding, his defensive shortcomings make him a lesser prospect than Rudy Gay.

At any rate, though, I'd look for LaMarcus Aldridge to be the stud of the 2006 NBA Draft; he's right up there with Dwight Howard in terms of ability and talent.

As it is, however, the Seattle Supersonics will likely have a selection in the #8-#12 range; thus, I'd look for GM Rick Sund to choose a guy like Randy Foye -- who is practically a clone of Antonio Daniels -- since he could easily fill the glaring void at reserve point guard.

What ever happened to the Earl Watson deal? The Sonics definitely need another point guard, as Flip is obviously not the answer. Mateen Cleave is a great clubhouse guy, but Earl brings the experience, the defense, and the ability to run the point when Like needs to sit and/or pray. And really, I just want to get rid of Flip

I think that they're not willing to pay for Earl when they've got Rashard, Luke, and Nick's contract's coming up. I hope they go get someone though. Marcus Banks maybe? He's got shutdown ability, and was drafted ahead of Luke.

I've got nothing so far for Luke, Damien or Mateen whose back on a 10 day contract. And some for Vitaly, Rick I give credit to SuperSonicSoul. As for Vlad, Rashard, Reggie, Ronald, those are well known but who came up with them I don't know. Possibly Calabro.